Light Wrapped in Darkness
Magicman: Finally! This whole vampire saga has been a pain in the neck.
Li: Oh God.....
Magicman: Er, no pun intended.
Folken: Well at least the gang is almost in position to rescue Imoen. All that's left is dear old Bhodi and whatever Irenicus brings to the party.
Magicman: All too true. Lets find out.
***
Lassal's broken body lay in his coffin, where he would eventually recover from the beating Taurus had given him. That is of course unless he was disturbed by say a stake through the heart. And there were several hostile mortals hovering over him at that moment, with what looked suspiciously like stakes in their hands.
Yoshimo appeared from the darkness with the latest status report. "I've been over this place from top to bottom to inside out. There's not a trace of vampires, ghouls, or any other undead. We've cleaned the place out, and if any lived, so to speak, they must have fled."
Jaheira nodded. "Excellent. We've made a clean sweep of it."
"Except for Bhodi," Aerie reminded.
The druid wrinkled her nose. "Thanks." Shaking her head, she passed Taurus her stake. "He roughed you up worse than the rest of us. Care to do the honours?"
"With pleasure!" The crintri took the stake from Jaheira. He positioned himself solemnly over the corpse and stared emotionlessly into the monster's dark eyes. He raised his wooden weapon and a shiver went through a watching Viconia's spine. This reminded her so much of the ritual sacrifices in Menzoberranzen. "Farewell Lassal", Taurus intoned darkly. "From Hell's heart I stab at thee." He hammered down with all the strength in his semi-divine body.
The stake struck true, piercing the vampire squarely in the heart. The corpse twitched violently, thrashing its limbs. A wild unearthly howl erupted from its throat, forcing the party to cover their ears. Taurus didn't. He simply stared into the hollow eyes until the end, when the monster's thrashings weakened and the body slowly decomposed into a pile of dust.
Silence reigned in the coffin room for about three seconds. Then Viconia asked a question. "'From Hell's heart I stab at thee?'"
"I heard it somewhere and it seemed appropriate."
The drow couldn't help but grin and shake her head. There was no reason to be angry. They'd won! She let out a laugh at the comment.
Somehow, the blackness surrounding the companions grew more intense.
A ripple of dread seemed to roll over the crypt and a strange soundless hissing signified the arrival of the newcomer. Taurus had felt fear only a handful of times in his life. But now his heart was clutched in an icy grip of terror. He held his katana tightly in its sheath and peered into the darkness. A sudden mist coalesced into a humanoid form. Feminine and lissome, the dark woman smiled seductively. The crintri would rather have bedded a viper than her.
Bhodi had arrived at last.
The vampire watched the group that had invaded her lair with dark and hooded eyes. She gave a slight sigh and shook her head in what seemed like disappointment. "Hmm. I had hoped it would not come to this," she spoke in an eerily quiet voice. "But you are set in your path."
Taurus took a breath and forced himself to smile. "No offence. Killing you is just business."
"Of course. But the business of others may affect your own. Why do you think the thieves are being so helpful to you? Do you honestly believe it is out of the goodness of their hearts? No," Bhodi shook her head sending strands of rustled black hair tumbling gently about her face. "They want something from you. You know I speak the truth."
"YOU know that everything you say I will certainly view with suspicion!" The vampire remained cool under the verbal attack.
"Certainly," she replied smoothly. "But consider the facts. When have the thieves ever done more than promise?"
Taurus had no answer to that.
"I thought so", Bhodi said, a smug smile decorating her porcelain white face. "They have only made promises and kept you close. How can you be sure that Linvail even keeps his word? After all, he knew of your capture. He did allow it. How can you trust him?"
"We have an honourable goal, demon." Seeing Taurus' hesitation, Jaheira spoke up to his defence. "Perhaps they see that honour. Thieves are not without it, after all."
"You don't really believe that. You may have the most honourable intentions in the world and they would still be unmoved," the vampire woman countered smoothly. "They want something from you. And they got it too." Gesturing around at the chamber and its empty coffins, Bhodi continued. "I wonder, exactly what will make Linvail keep his word now that the deed is done?"
"What do you mean by that?"
Bhodi's voice took a low, persuasive tone. "Why do you think they allowed you to be captured by Irenicus? They know everything that happens in this city and yet they allowed this lawless act to go on, even though it was not under their supervision. So they could force your aid in winning their petty turf war? No, gold is never in supply for long and no service cannot be duplicated."
"And what would you suggest?" Taurus snarled, his temper beginning fray under Bhodi's verbal jabs. "That I side with you?"
"You are far too volatile for my purposes. I have no use for you. But I do have knowledge you are looking for. Knowledge of your capture."
"What do you know of my capture?!"
"I was there that night, Taurus. Fulfilling my duties as loving sister, you could say."
"You seem surprised", she noted. "Don't be. One of your heritage must be watched carefully, and I am the only one Irenicus trusts for something so important." She smiled wickedly at his stunned look. "So now you understand, child of Bhaal. And with that understanding must come an end. It was interesting to meet you face to face, but what must be done must be done."
"So now he would just have me killed?" Taurus was incredulous. Then the anger began to rise. "After all he has put me and mine through, he would just have me killed? Has his interest faded so soon?"
"Not at all. Think of this as a test. There is much to be learned from endurance, after all. Come, let us learn from each other." Without warning, Bhodi swept forward, her hands extended and fangs bared.
Her opening attack was too fast to anticipate. She swerved past the fighters while they were still fumbling for their weapons and stopped immediately in front of Aerie. The elf barely had time to jerk back a bit. Bhodi jabbed her razor sharp nails deep into Aerie's stomach and whirled away, her victim slumping to the floor and clutching her stomach as her blood stained the floor. Furious, Taurus and Minsc rushed the vampire, slashing and thrusting, forcing the vampire away, Yoshimo and Jaheira taking up positions to protect her while Viconia moved to her side, whispering prayers to Shar.
While Viconia was trying to save her counterpart's life, Minsc was going berserk. He had become rather fond of the frail elf girl and was enraged to see her harmed so grievously. Howling for vengeance, he charged Bhodi with Lilracor swinging. She ducked his first attack, leapt over his second attack, and thrust out with her feet, catching him in the jaw with a thunderous blow that knocked the big man back a few steps. She could have followed up but the smell of Aerie's blood was rising, and it stirred Bhodi's vampiric senses. With a hiss of hunger, she ignored the human and attempted to rush for the elf. Taurus leapt in front of the woman and forced her back with enchanted steel.
The two powerful beings froze for a moment, watching each other's eyes. Then Taurus thrust. Bhodi glided around the blade. She dodged his second attack and seized his arm. With a vicious twist, the bone cracked but she had made a mistake. The crintri took the brief moment to yank out his dagger and hammer it in the vampire's shoulder. Bhodi hissed and jerked away, the blade still hampering her movements. Now her attention fixed upon the wretched mortal who had dared to hurt her. A mortal who wielded a glowing katana and would take no prisoners.
Recovered from his blow to the head, Minsc rejoined the battle with a bellow. Bhodi leapt over the berserker and launched herself at Jaheira, tackling the druid to the ground and sinking her teeth into a shoulder. Yoshimo attacked Bhodi from the side with a flurry of daggers. She skillfully avoided his attack and caught him by the neck. While he struggled she hurled him back into Taurus and Minsc, who were advancing. Then she hissed with pain as Jaheira retaliated with her club, the gnasher. The magical weapon remained in her back as she whirled and attacked the druid again, who countered with a staff and a chanted spell. The air before the vampire burst into flame and Bhodi backed off.
Viconia also chanted a spell, one that filled the room with light. Bhodi hissed with greater force and covered her face. A mistake on her part; it allowed Aerie to release a swarm of magic missiles stinging into her flesh. The vampire shrieked in anger, whirling into the drow and knocking her down. The light vanished once again and Bhodi dove for the druid. Jaheira swung her scimitar, but Bhodi caught it and yanked the weapon contemptuously from her hand. With a clawed hand, she tore through the half-elf's breastplate and gashed her chest badly. But Jaheira turned the tables and held the monster close, preventing her from escaping while Minsc buried Lilracor in her back.
Bhodi gasped and tore away to face the ragged group. She had inflicted considerable damage upon all the members but she was outnumbered, and had been hurt. There was no reason to stay anymore. "Well that was educational" she quipped. "I have seen enough, and I am done with you. For now."
Taurus waved his sword at her threateningly. "Fight me coward!"
"Hardly. There will be another time, my prey. Until then, live, love, and go about your business. Our next meeting will leave but one of us alive. So to speak." Bhodi smirked as she added that last part. Then she bowed mockingly and reverted to a state of mist.
Taurus sprang and Celestial Fury bit naught but mist. "Come back here you cowardly bitch!" he screamed into the darkness. "You can't torture us then run! You'll suffer, I promise you!"
Bhodi did not answer. She was already gone. Minsc placed a hand on Taurus' uninjured shoulder. "We must stay calm, Taurus. We will have another chance at her," he reassured. "Evil cannot avoid the boot of justice forever."
"We'll get her eventually", Jaheira agreed. Grimacing at the pain in her chest, she helped Aerie to her feet. The elf smiled weakly and gave a V sign with her fingers. The druid smiled. "Now our priority should be getting to a priest. Then we can go tell Linvail that we've finally done his dirty work."
Taurus closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then he smiled. "You guys are right of course. Come on, lets rest up before the big rescue operation.
***
A temple of Lathander.
The stained glass windows opened to the streets below and rays of sun from the skylight drifted below to the choir. Pews and a confession box lined the common room, and art dedicated to the glory and worship of the goddess were placed in positions of prominence. Such symbols of Lathander's omnipresence were necessary to inspire and lead the faithful, but here in the priest quarters the walls and furniture were simple wood, unadorned and plain. The features were of a simple people who had found peace in their souls. They bespoke of a quiet dignity that was above malice and greed. The church was a place of peace and warmth, open to all.
Viconia couldn't stand it.
But then again, even Viconia had had to admit that Aerie and Jaheira were in bad shape, and some of the others were hardly better. The temple had been the closest to their position. The priests had treated her with genuine, if cool courtesy, and had offered the party sanctuary until they recovered. A kindly old cleric had given up his room to Viconia and Taurus. Now she lay in bed, holding her love protectively as he twitched and mumbled in his sleep.
The crintri cried out in his sleep and Viconia stroked his hair soothingly. He was having a nightmare. She couldn't blame him; he couldn't be heroic all the time. Belittling danger to its face took a toll on one's mind.
Taurus suddenly woke up, his eyes wild and clinging to the drow so hard that it hurt. Viconia didn't pull away. "It was just a dream, ssinssrigg. Only a dream."
Slowly, he relaxed. "More than a dream." His voice was hoarse. Was he afraid? "He was there. Irenicus. He tortured Imoen before my very eyes." He looked Viconia in the face. "He knows we're coming."
Viconia was silent for a moment. "So what?" she said at last. "I know you, Taurus Halfbreed. You are not leaving your closest friend in the hands of a mad sorcerer. You'll cut through Hell and high water to get to her, and then you'll take your vengeance on the lowly human." She smirked. "It sounds almost like a drow tale of adventure, now that I think of it. The powerful warrior rushes to rescue his matron from the illithid and exacts a terrible vengeance upon them!" She chuckled. "If you ever quit adventuring and become a bard you have the makings of your first play."
Taurus smiled ruefully. "You aren't the nasty, mean, violent drow priestess that you make everyone think, you know."
Viconia dug her nails into Taurus' shoulder. Her face was exquisitely annoyed. "I am too! And if I ever catch you telling people otherwise, I will take great pleasure in tearing out your guts! An inch at a time!"
Taurus grinned under the insults. "Have I ever told you I love you?"
"Lots of times." She smirked. "It keeps me from collaring you."
Presently Viconia fell asleep. Taurus stayed awake for a time though. Irenicus' words still loomed in his mind, and no amount of playful banter would still the doubt or fear.
"Follow and receive the gift of flesh you are owed by the blood in your veins."
"Follow if only to protect the weak that fell because of you!"
***
"Well done! Very well done indeed. Bhodi's guild has been destroyed and she will no longer waylay our members. That she herself still lives is of no consequence. You have done as I asked and more. I am honourable and shall keep my part of the bargain."
Linvail, it seemed, had no more worries and was relieved to be rid of the party. Taurus had some questions however.
"Before the end, Bhodi had some interesting things to say." He looked at the thief pointedly. "Things regarding you and your bunch. Need I repeat what she said?"
Linvail raised an eyebrow. "Anything such a creature says is to be suspected."
"Just answer this. What exactly do you know about our capture and imprisonment?"
The thief lord sighed slightly. "I suppose that an explanation of sorts is in order. You did remove a thorn from my paw, so to speak."
"Yes, we knew of your capture. There is little that goes on in this city that we do not know. We did not pay much attention to the action, even though it was done outside our jurisdiction. Besides, Bhodi's vampire guild had appeared at the time, though we did not know her name, and we were fighting a turf war with them. However, our spies had infiltrated the mage's lair and discovered correspondence between him and his 'sister'. In an effort to cut off support to the vampires, we moved against him."
Taurus nodded, remembering the day. "I saw your efforts. It was a slaughter."
"Indeed it was" Linvail agreed. "Doubtless it was our efforts that drove him into the streets and provoked the wrath of the Cowled Wizards. The Cowled Wizards had taken Irenicus and Imoen, but we still had a link to them. You."
"Hence Gaelan Bayle and his offer. You wanted my help to get rid of the vampires." The crintri shook his head ruefully. "So much for charity."
"It was not just that you were convenient. Truly, your gold was of much help too, and besides, why complain? Now we know where Irenicus is. You have the chance to hunt him down and retrieve your friend. Either way, they were both taken to the same place."
Aran Linvail sobered and a troubled shadow came upon his face, as if he was thinking dire thoughts. "I have heard it called a 'residence for the magically deviant', but mages just call it Spellhold. It is an asylum on an island to the west, where mages are kept and their power is dissected. It's not a good place to be for any length of time. I have heard stories of what the energies emanating from the fortress does to the minds of the inmates."
Taurus' breath caught in his throat. Imoen was trapped in this place?
Yoshimo spoke the question on everyone's minds. "If Irenicus is being held here, then isn't he no longer a threat?" He sounded almost hopeful.
Linvail shook his head helplessly. "I honestly don't know. My informants tell me that the Cowled Wizards have not had contact with the island for some time. Nevertheless, he is there, as is your friend. You don't really have much of a choice, and if he returns then he will doubtlessly remember that it was me and mine who opposed him."
Linvail finished his little story. "We are at least partly responsible for your misfortunes, and I will try to reimburse you somewhat. Tonight, come to the docks. Your ship will await you."
The hours before the voyage were slow and dull. The party basically sat in their room above the Five Flagons, reading spells or sharpening weapons. The tension was mounting, but the only incident came from Yoshimo.
The bounty hunter had been wandering the streets, and when he returned he took Taurus aside and told him that he could not go to Spellhold with them.
"While I was out I learned that my father in Kara Tur has passed on. My honour requires me to attend the funeral." Yoshimo bowed his head in apology. "I beg your forgiveness my friend."
"Ah no worries. We'll be fine. After all, Irenicus is locked up in an asylum. What could he do?"
Yoshimo smiled humourlessly. "What indeed."
***
Magicman: Success! Soon Imoen will be rescued and all will be well.
Folken: You're keeping Yoshimo alive?
Magicman: Of course. If I killed him off, Nalia would release scorpions in my bedroom.
Nalia: YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!!
Magicman: Gah!
Li: Ahem, anyway, we shall see you again next time, when they finally set sail. You can watch Jaheira get seasick, among other little plot bunnies. Bye for now!
Magicman: Finally! This whole vampire saga has been a pain in the neck.
Li: Oh God.....
Magicman: Er, no pun intended.
Folken: Well at least the gang is almost in position to rescue Imoen. All that's left is dear old Bhodi and whatever Irenicus brings to the party.
Magicman: All too true. Lets find out.
***
Lassal's broken body lay in his coffin, where he would eventually recover from the beating Taurus had given him. That is of course unless he was disturbed by say a stake through the heart. And there were several hostile mortals hovering over him at that moment, with what looked suspiciously like stakes in their hands.
Yoshimo appeared from the darkness with the latest status report. "I've been over this place from top to bottom to inside out. There's not a trace of vampires, ghouls, or any other undead. We've cleaned the place out, and if any lived, so to speak, they must have fled."
Jaheira nodded. "Excellent. We've made a clean sweep of it."
"Except for Bhodi," Aerie reminded.
The druid wrinkled her nose. "Thanks." Shaking her head, she passed Taurus her stake. "He roughed you up worse than the rest of us. Care to do the honours?"
"With pleasure!" The crintri took the stake from Jaheira. He positioned himself solemnly over the corpse and stared emotionlessly into the monster's dark eyes. He raised his wooden weapon and a shiver went through a watching Viconia's spine. This reminded her so much of the ritual sacrifices in Menzoberranzen. "Farewell Lassal", Taurus intoned darkly. "From Hell's heart I stab at thee." He hammered down with all the strength in his semi-divine body.
The stake struck true, piercing the vampire squarely in the heart. The corpse twitched violently, thrashing its limbs. A wild unearthly howl erupted from its throat, forcing the party to cover their ears. Taurus didn't. He simply stared into the hollow eyes until the end, when the monster's thrashings weakened and the body slowly decomposed into a pile of dust.
Silence reigned in the coffin room for about three seconds. Then Viconia asked a question. "'From Hell's heart I stab at thee?'"
"I heard it somewhere and it seemed appropriate."
The drow couldn't help but grin and shake her head. There was no reason to be angry. They'd won! She let out a laugh at the comment.
Somehow, the blackness surrounding the companions grew more intense.
A ripple of dread seemed to roll over the crypt and a strange soundless hissing signified the arrival of the newcomer. Taurus had felt fear only a handful of times in his life. But now his heart was clutched in an icy grip of terror. He held his katana tightly in its sheath and peered into the darkness. A sudden mist coalesced into a humanoid form. Feminine and lissome, the dark woman smiled seductively. The crintri would rather have bedded a viper than her.
Bhodi had arrived at last.
The vampire watched the group that had invaded her lair with dark and hooded eyes. She gave a slight sigh and shook her head in what seemed like disappointment. "Hmm. I had hoped it would not come to this," she spoke in an eerily quiet voice. "But you are set in your path."
Taurus took a breath and forced himself to smile. "No offence. Killing you is just business."
"Of course. But the business of others may affect your own. Why do you think the thieves are being so helpful to you? Do you honestly believe it is out of the goodness of their hearts? No," Bhodi shook her head sending strands of rustled black hair tumbling gently about her face. "They want something from you. You know I speak the truth."
"YOU know that everything you say I will certainly view with suspicion!" The vampire remained cool under the verbal attack.
"Certainly," she replied smoothly. "But consider the facts. When have the thieves ever done more than promise?"
Taurus had no answer to that.
"I thought so", Bhodi said, a smug smile decorating her porcelain white face. "They have only made promises and kept you close. How can you be sure that Linvail even keeps his word? After all, he knew of your capture. He did allow it. How can you trust him?"
"We have an honourable goal, demon." Seeing Taurus' hesitation, Jaheira spoke up to his defence. "Perhaps they see that honour. Thieves are not without it, after all."
"You don't really believe that. You may have the most honourable intentions in the world and they would still be unmoved," the vampire woman countered smoothly. "They want something from you. And they got it too." Gesturing around at the chamber and its empty coffins, Bhodi continued. "I wonder, exactly what will make Linvail keep his word now that the deed is done?"
"What do you mean by that?"
Bhodi's voice took a low, persuasive tone. "Why do you think they allowed you to be captured by Irenicus? They know everything that happens in this city and yet they allowed this lawless act to go on, even though it was not under their supervision. So they could force your aid in winning their petty turf war? No, gold is never in supply for long and no service cannot be duplicated."
"And what would you suggest?" Taurus snarled, his temper beginning fray under Bhodi's verbal jabs. "That I side with you?"
"You are far too volatile for my purposes. I have no use for you. But I do have knowledge you are looking for. Knowledge of your capture."
"What do you know of my capture?!"
"I was there that night, Taurus. Fulfilling my duties as loving sister, you could say."
"You seem surprised", she noted. "Don't be. One of your heritage must be watched carefully, and I am the only one Irenicus trusts for something so important." She smiled wickedly at his stunned look. "So now you understand, child of Bhaal. And with that understanding must come an end. It was interesting to meet you face to face, but what must be done must be done."
"So now he would just have me killed?" Taurus was incredulous. Then the anger began to rise. "After all he has put me and mine through, he would just have me killed? Has his interest faded so soon?"
"Not at all. Think of this as a test. There is much to be learned from endurance, after all. Come, let us learn from each other." Without warning, Bhodi swept forward, her hands extended and fangs bared.
Her opening attack was too fast to anticipate. She swerved past the fighters while they were still fumbling for their weapons and stopped immediately in front of Aerie. The elf barely had time to jerk back a bit. Bhodi jabbed her razor sharp nails deep into Aerie's stomach and whirled away, her victim slumping to the floor and clutching her stomach as her blood stained the floor. Furious, Taurus and Minsc rushed the vampire, slashing and thrusting, forcing the vampire away, Yoshimo and Jaheira taking up positions to protect her while Viconia moved to her side, whispering prayers to Shar.
While Viconia was trying to save her counterpart's life, Minsc was going berserk. He had become rather fond of the frail elf girl and was enraged to see her harmed so grievously. Howling for vengeance, he charged Bhodi with Lilracor swinging. She ducked his first attack, leapt over his second attack, and thrust out with her feet, catching him in the jaw with a thunderous blow that knocked the big man back a few steps. She could have followed up but the smell of Aerie's blood was rising, and it stirred Bhodi's vampiric senses. With a hiss of hunger, she ignored the human and attempted to rush for the elf. Taurus leapt in front of the woman and forced her back with enchanted steel.
The two powerful beings froze for a moment, watching each other's eyes. Then Taurus thrust. Bhodi glided around the blade. She dodged his second attack and seized his arm. With a vicious twist, the bone cracked but she had made a mistake. The crintri took the brief moment to yank out his dagger and hammer it in the vampire's shoulder. Bhodi hissed and jerked away, the blade still hampering her movements. Now her attention fixed upon the wretched mortal who had dared to hurt her. A mortal who wielded a glowing katana and would take no prisoners.
Recovered from his blow to the head, Minsc rejoined the battle with a bellow. Bhodi leapt over the berserker and launched herself at Jaheira, tackling the druid to the ground and sinking her teeth into a shoulder. Yoshimo attacked Bhodi from the side with a flurry of daggers. She skillfully avoided his attack and caught him by the neck. While he struggled she hurled him back into Taurus and Minsc, who were advancing. Then she hissed with pain as Jaheira retaliated with her club, the gnasher. The magical weapon remained in her back as she whirled and attacked the druid again, who countered with a staff and a chanted spell. The air before the vampire burst into flame and Bhodi backed off.
Viconia also chanted a spell, one that filled the room with light. Bhodi hissed with greater force and covered her face. A mistake on her part; it allowed Aerie to release a swarm of magic missiles stinging into her flesh. The vampire shrieked in anger, whirling into the drow and knocking her down. The light vanished once again and Bhodi dove for the druid. Jaheira swung her scimitar, but Bhodi caught it and yanked the weapon contemptuously from her hand. With a clawed hand, she tore through the half-elf's breastplate and gashed her chest badly. But Jaheira turned the tables and held the monster close, preventing her from escaping while Minsc buried Lilracor in her back.
Bhodi gasped and tore away to face the ragged group. She had inflicted considerable damage upon all the members but she was outnumbered, and had been hurt. There was no reason to stay anymore. "Well that was educational" she quipped. "I have seen enough, and I am done with you. For now."
Taurus waved his sword at her threateningly. "Fight me coward!"
"Hardly. There will be another time, my prey. Until then, live, love, and go about your business. Our next meeting will leave but one of us alive. So to speak." Bhodi smirked as she added that last part. Then she bowed mockingly and reverted to a state of mist.
Taurus sprang and Celestial Fury bit naught but mist. "Come back here you cowardly bitch!" he screamed into the darkness. "You can't torture us then run! You'll suffer, I promise you!"
Bhodi did not answer. She was already gone. Minsc placed a hand on Taurus' uninjured shoulder. "We must stay calm, Taurus. We will have another chance at her," he reassured. "Evil cannot avoid the boot of justice forever."
"We'll get her eventually", Jaheira agreed. Grimacing at the pain in her chest, she helped Aerie to her feet. The elf smiled weakly and gave a V sign with her fingers. The druid smiled. "Now our priority should be getting to a priest. Then we can go tell Linvail that we've finally done his dirty work."
Taurus closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then he smiled. "You guys are right of course. Come on, lets rest up before the big rescue operation.
***
A temple of Lathander.
The stained glass windows opened to the streets below and rays of sun from the skylight drifted below to the choir. Pews and a confession box lined the common room, and art dedicated to the glory and worship of the goddess were placed in positions of prominence. Such symbols of Lathander's omnipresence were necessary to inspire and lead the faithful, but here in the priest quarters the walls and furniture were simple wood, unadorned and plain. The features were of a simple people who had found peace in their souls. They bespoke of a quiet dignity that was above malice and greed. The church was a place of peace and warmth, open to all.
Viconia couldn't stand it.
But then again, even Viconia had had to admit that Aerie and Jaheira were in bad shape, and some of the others were hardly better. The temple had been the closest to their position. The priests had treated her with genuine, if cool courtesy, and had offered the party sanctuary until they recovered. A kindly old cleric had given up his room to Viconia and Taurus. Now she lay in bed, holding her love protectively as he twitched and mumbled in his sleep.
The crintri cried out in his sleep and Viconia stroked his hair soothingly. He was having a nightmare. She couldn't blame him; he couldn't be heroic all the time. Belittling danger to its face took a toll on one's mind.
Taurus suddenly woke up, his eyes wild and clinging to the drow so hard that it hurt. Viconia didn't pull away. "It was just a dream, ssinssrigg. Only a dream."
Slowly, he relaxed. "More than a dream." His voice was hoarse. Was he afraid? "He was there. Irenicus. He tortured Imoen before my very eyes." He looked Viconia in the face. "He knows we're coming."
Viconia was silent for a moment. "So what?" she said at last. "I know you, Taurus Halfbreed. You are not leaving your closest friend in the hands of a mad sorcerer. You'll cut through Hell and high water to get to her, and then you'll take your vengeance on the lowly human." She smirked. "It sounds almost like a drow tale of adventure, now that I think of it. The powerful warrior rushes to rescue his matron from the illithid and exacts a terrible vengeance upon them!" She chuckled. "If you ever quit adventuring and become a bard you have the makings of your first play."
Taurus smiled ruefully. "You aren't the nasty, mean, violent drow priestess that you make everyone think, you know."
Viconia dug her nails into Taurus' shoulder. Her face was exquisitely annoyed. "I am too! And if I ever catch you telling people otherwise, I will take great pleasure in tearing out your guts! An inch at a time!"
Taurus grinned under the insults. "Have I ever told you I love you?"
"Lots of times." She smirked. "It keeps me from collaring you."
Presently Viconia fell asleep. Taurus stayed awake for a time though. Irenicus' words still loomed in his mind, and no amount of playful banter would still the doubt or fear.
"Follow and receive the gift of flesh you are owed by the blood in your veins."
"Follow if only to protect the weak that fell because of you!"
***
"Well done! Very well done indeed. Bhodi's guild has been destroyed and she will no longer waylay our members. That she herself still lives is of no consequence. You have done as I asked and more. I am honourable and shall keep my part of the bargain."
Linvail, it seemed, had no more worries and was relieved to be rid of the party. Taurus had some questions however.
"Before the end, Bhodi had some interesting things to say." He looked at the thief pointedly. "Things regarding you and your bunch. Need I repeat what she said?"
Linvail raised an eyebrow. "Anything such a creature says is to be suspected."
"Just answer this. What exactly do you know about our capture and imprisonment?"
The thief lord sighed slightly. "I suppose that an explanation of sorts is in order. You did remove a thorn from my paw, so to speak."
"Yes, we knew of your capture. There is little that goes on in this city that we do not know. We did not pay much attention to the action, even though it was done outside our jurisdiction. Besides, Bhodi's vampire guild had appeared at the time, though we did not know her name, and we were fighting a turf war with them. However, our spies had infiltrated the mage's lair and discovered correspondence between him and his 'sister'. In an effort to cut off support to the vampires, we moved against him."
Taurus nodded, remembering the day. "I saw your efforts. It was a slaughter."
"Indeed it was" Linvail agreed. "Doubtless it was our efforts that drove him into the streets and provoked the wrath of the Cowled Wizards. The Cowled Wizards had taken Irenicus and Imoen, but we still had a link to them. You."
"Hence Gaelan Bayle and his offer. You wanted my help to get rid of the vampires." The crintri shook his head ruefully. "So much for charity."
"It was not just that you were convenient. Truly, your gold was of much help too, and besides, why complain? Now we know where Irenicus is. You have the chance to hunt him down and retrieve your friend. Either way, they were both taken to the same place."
Aran Linvail sobered and a troubled shadow came upon his face, as if he was thinking dire thoughts. "I have heard it called a 'residence for the magically deviant', but mages just call it Spellhold. It is an asylum on an island to the west, where mages are kept and their power is dissected. It's not a good place to be for any length of time. I have heard stories of what the energies emanating from the fortress does to the minds of the inmates."
Taurus' breath caught in his throat. Imoen was trapped in this place?
Yoshimo spoke the question on everyone's minds. "If Irenicus is being held here, then isn't he no longer a threat?" He sounded almost hopeful.
Linvail shook his head helplessly. "I honestly don't know. My informants tell me that the Cowled Wizards have not had contact with the island for some time. Nevertheless, he is there, as is your friend. You don't really have much of a choice, and if he returns then he will doubtlessly remember that it was me and mine who opposed him."
Linvail finished his little story. "We are at least partly responsible for your misfortunes, and I will try to reimburse you somewhat. Tonight, come to the docks. Your ship will await you."
The hours before the voyage were slow and dull. The party basically sat in their room above the Five Flagons, reading spells or sharpening weapons. The tension was mounting, but the only incident came from Yoshimo.
The bounty hunter had been wandering the streets, and when he returned he took Taurus aside and told him that he could not go to Spellhold with them.
"While I was out I learned that my father in Kara Tur has passed on. My honour requires me to attend the funeral." Yoshimo bowed his head in apology. "I beg your forgiveness my friend."
"Ah no worries. We'll be fine. After all, Irenicus is locked up in an asylum. What could he do?"
Yoshimo smiled humourlessly. "What indeed."
***
Magicman: Success! Soon Imoen will be rescued and all will be well.
Folken: You're keeping Yoshimo alive?
Magicman: Of course. If I killed him off, Nalia would release scorpions in my bedroom.
Nalia: YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!!
Magicman: Gah!
Li: Ahem, anyway, we shall see you again next time, when they finally set sail. You can watch Jaheira get seasick, among other little plot bunnies. Bye for now!